Although many immigrants could not read the words, the outstretched
arm that pierced the heavens was clear affirmation that they
had found what they were seeking -- the land of freedom and
opportunity.

In return, these immigrants, and those who followed them,
made this country stronger through their labor; safer through
their sacrifice in defending its shores; and richer through
diversity.

Our Party has always represented the interests of all people
seeking opportunity.

We are the home of entrepreneurs.

Men and women who want to know the pride of accomplishment.
The honor of self-sufficiency.

We meet in New York to reaffirm our commitment to these
individuals - whether new to our country or born in the heartland.

That commitment begins with our children.

President Bush introduced and signed into law the No Child
Left Behind initiative to raise standards, strengthen accountability,
and improve student achievement in every school in America.

It's based on a simple but revolutionary idea: Every child
can learn.

And every child deserves our best effort to help them succeed.
President Bush has provided the largest education funding
increase in history. And, we are already seeing impressive
results.

For the first time since Florida started testing students,
we are above the national average in reading, at the national
average in math, and among the top ten states in writing!

Another way President Bush has fostered the American Dream
is through tax relief. Letting people keep more of their
own money helps them pay the mortgage. Save for college.
Start a business.

When small business owners keep more of their earnings,
they are more likely to expand and add jobs. This, in turn,
allows others to earn a paycheck and support a family.

Thanks to President Bush's leadership, more people than
ever own their home. And, more than half of minorities are
now home owners -- the highest level in history.

The President's American Dream Downpayment Act is helping
people overcome one of the biggest hurdles to being a homeowner
-- finding the money for a downpayment.

Since the President announced his plan in 2002, more than
1.6 million minorities have become homeowners.

Men and women who work hard for decades should not be forced
to relinquish the American Dream in retirement.

For those now in or near retirement, President Bush will
always uphold the promise of Social Security. But President
Bush understands that Social Security needs to be fixed to
help make it more secure for our younger workers.

He believes that younger workers should have the opportunity
to take some of their Social Security payments and put them
into personal accounts that they own and control.

People should be able to build a nest egg that they can
draw from during their golden years and pass on to their
children and grandchildren.

Guided by Liberty's lamp, our Party and our President will
continue to preserve the American Dream for every individual
who seeks it.
"I lift my lamp beside the golden door."